Why Online Church Isn’t Enough

An article in The Christian Post revealed that nearly half of churchgoers attend multiple congregations regularly—not in person, but virtually through online worship services. Some attend several services online, and many attend one church physically while supplementing with others online.

In the latter case, this isn’t much different from what has been happening for decades. People have a home church—the one where they hold membership—while also consuming additional preaching or teaching. This isn’t new. Radio, television, and now online worship services are simply continuations of that practice.

However, for those who do not attend any church physically, this is a significant concern. We recognize that there are valid circumstances where online attendance is the only reasonable option—such as for shut-ins, those living in remote areas, or individuals temporarily away from their home congregation. But one of the major concerns following the widespread adoption of online ministry during COVID was that people would grow comfortable “doing church” at home—much like remote work—and would lose the desire to return to in-person worship.

Thankfully, this didn’t happen for most. Our church voluntarily closed for seven weeks during COVID. It was a confusing time, and none of us fully understood the risks. In Arizona, we weren’t required to close, though many of you were. With our current governor, I have no doubt we would have been forced into online-only services. In hindsight, we probably didn’t need to close, and I don’t believe I would make the same decision again.

That first Sunday back was eye-opening. I knew I missed our people, but I hadn’t realized how deeply our congregation missed one another. People wept and embraced as they reunited in biblical assembly.

To those who stayed home simply because it’s more comfortable, I challenge you to reconsider.

For some—especially introverts—being in large groups can be draining. Staying home is easier. You can sleep in, eat breakfast during the message, and even skip parts you find less engaging. You can also listen to more sermons—perhaps adding John MacArthur or another favorite—while spending the same amount of time. Not to mention the fact that you can fit your church attendance around the football schedule. It may feel like the best of all worlds.

But church is a family gathering.

No online service can replace the “one another” relationships that should flourish on Sunday mornings—before, during, and after the service, in small groups, and beyond. People need handshakes and hugs. We need conversations, not just lectures.

Families are multi-generational. Children’s and youth ministries cannot function effectively online. Countless articles have documented the emotional and developmental harm children experienced when schools closed during COVID. Kids need interaction. They need the “adopted grandparents” found in every congregation. They need to sing and pray with a cross-generational family. They need vibrant, interactive children’s ministries.

Church attendance is about ministry.

Dr. James Singleton, my pastor from childhood through college, printed this on every bulletin: Ministers: Every member. The idea that online church is “enough” contradicts this foundational principle. Online attendees—those who choose it out of preference rather than necessity—tend to be consumers, not ministers. According to 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, every believer is equipped with spiritual gifts, given by the Holy Spirit at salvation, and meant to be exercised within the body of Christ. It is nearly impossible (and I’m being generous) to do this through online-only attendance.

You need—or will need—personal ministry.

Online church limits meaningful relationships between members and church leadership. Pastoral accountability, counseling, and comfort during crises are all part of local church life. This is why we’ve always said that giving—especially the tithe—belongs to the local church. The television evangelist or online pastor won’t look you in the eye and challenge your spiritual growth. They won’t visit your hospital room, provide premarital counseling, officiate your wedding, or lead your memorial service.

The online church is not what Jesus envisioned when He established the New Testament local church. Unless absolutely necessary, you must find a local church, join it, and become an active, accountable servant there.